Updated: 05/12/2008

New Additions, Revised Interactive Tests
Over the summer break some major revisions* will take place in the modules that will also require changes in the interactive tests.
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A number of
associated readings have been added including one on
Showcasing Your Videos.
New Pop-Up Information
We are continuing with the process of adding pop-up information. Key terms are still in red, but if words or phrases are also underlined like this, they can be moused over for elaboration. (Give it a try!) You will note that
in
some cases photos are included.
In the process of adding these we are making revisions in the modules. Technical information is being simplified and sections are being updated and clarified.
If you find that some of the interactive features on this site don't work, you are probably using an old browser or you have JavaScript disabled. Note that the wavy underline above indicates a mouseover option that provides additional contextual information.
If you have JavaScript turned on in your browser you will notice arrows at the bottom-right of your screen. You can mouse over these to automatically scroll up or down the page.
The
Word Squares have been reformatted to make
them compatible with changes in Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7.0 browser.
Just a reminder, if an access problem is encountered
on one site, there are two other independent sites that have the same files.
Although one
site
may occasionally have a problem, two sites have never been down
at the same time.
These materials are available
at the following independent locations:
Extensive
support materials are available
with evidence that you are an instructor.
NOTE: To get through spam
filtering a "From CyberCollege" subject line is essential. Also note
that our e-mail address has changed. It's now disguised by JavaScript,
which we hope will not only put a dent in the many spam messages we've
been getting each day, but make it much more difficult for your e-mail
to go astray.
For basic background information
click on Frequently-Asked Questions.
A summary of the basic information on the course is available
here.
Information
on Mobile TVP Files for cell phone, Palm™, PDA, and BlackBerry™ and iPhone devices.
One
of the additions will be a personal blog springing from 50 years --
yes, 50 years -- of experience in broadcasting. The rationale for
this
is explained in the first blog, "Things
You Won't Find in Textbooks." This a work in progress, but the
index of completed articles can be found
here.
In late March a new page
format was introduced. If you have a relatively recent browser,
you will see a number of changes. Very old browsers without style sheet
support will render headings extremely large.
If you see a background graphic -
and maroon type on this line
things should be fine.
If you see huge
type above and no background graphic, you should upgrade your
browser.
Excellent browsers are free
for the downloading from Netscape,
Microsoft, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Safari.
- Some instructors supplement the TV
Production modules with
materials from the Mass Media course.
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The instructor
information has been greatly expanded. Included is something new,
"Teaching Tips and Talking Points," covering each of the modules. The
URL for these and the supplementary tests is available to qualified
instructors by writing the
author.
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One the advantages of Internet
materials is that, unlike textbooks, they can be
regularly revised to keep in step with the constant changes in the
audio and video fields. Errors can also be fixed as soon as they are
brought to our attention.
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Animation Issue
Some firewalls,
such as ZoneAlarm, shut off animated images. This will affect some
illustrations on this site. (The dove on the left should be
flying—although not necessarily getting anywhere.) In ZoneAlarm animation can be restored by going
to Privacy, Ad blocking, Custom, and uncheck the box animation. Other
firewalls and browsers have similar options.
The Quick Quizzes
The interactive Quick Quizzes require a relatively
recent browser with Java enabled. When you click on Quick Quiz at
the bottom of the modules you should see two rows of blocks.
With the help of the left key of a mouse
you can drag the blocks on the right to the matching phrases on the
left. |
Word Squares Return
Many
instructors and students liked the word square key term puzzles that we
used to have. They could be printed out and handed to students to
complete. They were dropped when they became out of date. The word
squares are available again and basic information is available here.
- Some instructors supplement the TV
Production modules with
materials from the Mass Media course.
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Additional Supplementary Readings
There
are links within the modules to additional reading. Among the
specialized sections that have recently been added. Links to these articles can be found in the General Readings and and Materials and Associated Readings sub-indexes.
| TV and Film Makeup |
Determining IE/ISO/ASA sensitivity of video cameras |
Setting up color monitors |
| Using shadows in composition |
Studio sets |
Audio and video signal compression |
| RAM audio recording |
DVD/RAM video cameras |
Filters to compensate for digital video artifacts and
to simulate film look |
| Setting up digital cameras |
The zone exposure system |
Special studio lights |
| The video signal "overshoot" problem |
Broadcast Server Editing Approaches |
An Interactive Color Exercise |
| HDTV-to-SDTV and SDTV-to-HDTV Conversion |
Digital audio considerations |
Interviewing Techniques |
| Top Editing Software |
Making Use of Time Code |
Color Theory in Depth |
| The Incestuous Amplification Effect |
Showcasing Videos |
Plus, the pop-up links add supplemental information. |
For those of you who asked about recommended video
assignments, they are available here.
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Old versions of pages
are often retained in a browser's cache and what appears in your
browser won't be the latest version of the page. If you suspect this,
try reloading a page. |
Color-Coding Scheme
Although
a great many people go through these modules on an individual
basis—government employees, TV crew members, military personnel, etc.—a
great many users are in classrooms. To try to accommodate a greater
range of needs, we've devised a color code for links.
A little yellow square ( ) in front
of link above indicates background reading. This material is not
included on the interactive tests, although it may help in
understanding the concepts covered.
A blue square in front of a link ( ) indicates
technical information. This type of information is designed for
advanced classes and professionals; and, again, this may or may be
required by an instructor. These areas will also be expanded in the
future to meet the needs of advanced students.
A red square is reserved for ( ) external links that have related information.
This information is not included on the interactive tests. CyberCollege
and the InternetCampus have no control over the content or availability
of these external links.
The required reading links are marked with a green
square
( ) These are covered in the interactive tests and puzzles.
Links that are not marked with a colored square
should be self-explanatory.
In summary:
= A basic understanding of TV
production concepts.
= A more advanced
understanding and background.
= Advanced
students; professionals.
= Includes
external resources for additional information.
And, finally, key terms underlined like this can be moused over for more information.
Basic information on the use of these
cybercourses can be found
here and here.
This
whole project is considered a collaborative effort, and it has come a
long way since the first rough draft was posted almost ten years ago.
We wish to thank the many people who have written
us offering suggestions. All of us who use these materials have a
responsibility to catch errors, make suggestions and, in general, make
sure that these materials become more and more useful to all of us.
Just send us an e-mail message.
The text materials and illustrations continue to
be updated on a regular basis as new information is published in
trades, newspapers, and on the Internet. The date at the top-right of
each module indicates when the material was last updated.
In order to continue to provide
these materials we have agreed to certain legal restrictions.
Please see this copyright
notice.
Along with many websites, we've
had problems with hackers spoofing our e-mail addresses so that people
will open e-mail thinking it's from us. This is discussed here.
Just so you know, these materials are free and we
aren't in the business of selling anything.
* These revisions include the regular updates, and fixing writing issues introduced by a recent editor. Although well-meaning and proficient in her area, she had limited knowledge on the finer points of audio and video. (This is a lesson I should have learned many years ago in working with magazine editors.) It doesn't help that I'm not easy to get along with when it comes to changing the intent and flavor of my original writing.
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